The mum of a Scots teenager missing for over a month has warned the public of a scam fundraiser set up in her son’s name.
Viktoria Benga told the public not to donate to the online page which claims to fund the search effort for missing 16-year-old Aleksandr. The schoolboy was last seen at around 8.45am on Monday, November 18 near to the water wheel within the Lewis Castle grounds in Stornoway.
He has not been seen or heard from since. Specialist cop units have travelled to the island from Aberdeen and Inverness to assist with ongoing extensive searches, and partner agencies are also providing support.
Writing on social media, Viktoria said of the false fundraiser: “Please be aware. Not myself or my family haven’t set up any fundraising for Aleksandr. If anyone asks for the money for this matter do not send it. Please be cautious.”
Meanwhile, police have urged anyone with information or dash-cam footage to come forward as officers continue work to identify Aleksandr’s movements. Aleksandr is described as 6ft 2ins tall and of slim build with short brown hair. When last seen, he was wearing a beige jumper and black jeans. He had a yellow beanie hat with him.
Inspector David Hall said: “We are extremely concerned for Aleksandr, especially given the cold weather conditions lately. Since Aleksandr was reported missing almost one week ago, we have been carrying out extensive searches and enquiries in and around the Stornoway area.
“Officers, led by specialist search advisors, have been assisted by police dogs and a police mountain rescue team. Our partner agencies are also helping with searches. Despite these efforts and previous appeals, we have yet to trace him. His family and friends are extremely upset and concerned by his disappearance.
“We have reviewed CCTV and footage provided by the public, however we have been unable to establish the exact route he travelled after leaving the water wheel on the morning of Monday, 18 November. To help us establish this, we would ask any drivers with dashcams who were either travelling on the A859 between Willowglen Road, Stornoway and Cameron Terrace, Lochs or on Pentland Road between 8.45am and 12pm on Monday, 18 November, to please contact us.”
A spokesperson for Police Scotland added: “We have been made aware of a potential fraudulent fundraising page circulating on social media regarding the search for Aleksandr Benga, who was reported missing from Stornoway on Monday, 18 November, 2024. Aleksandr’s family have not set up any fundraising and we would urge the public to be vigilant with such sites and report anything of concern to us.”
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